Joe Brammer vs Chris Mickle

Former champ and UFC vet Joe Brammer set to return at MCC 36

After vacating his lightweight belt to chase stardom in the superbowl of mixed martial arts; the UFC, Joe “The Hammer” Brammer returns home in an effort to resurrect his career and claw his way back to the big show.

Joe Brammer has had an exciting 24 months. He’s faced rising star Mark Bocek and long time competitor in his two UFC appearances. He’s enjoyed the sunny beaches of San Diego, California while soaking up the techniques of MMA’s who’s who, and he’s returned home and built one of the most successful new martial arts training centers in the area.

With things somewhat settled down he has returned back to training and recently began his camp in preparations for his next appearance; a meeting with gritty slugger Jeremy Castro on September 23.

Brammer, whose greatest influence is Bruce Lee believes in the master’s philosophy; Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it’, which basically translates to: know a little bit of everything, do not focus on one area of martial arts but rather focus on all aspects of game. And, that’s a perfect way to describe Joe Brammer’s style. On the feet he moves with the swiftness of a professional boxer while throwing an array of Thai and karate-type kicks. On the ground he’s as fluid as water; always hunting for a submission and staying one move ahead of his opponent.

Now that a fight is set with Castro, Brammer will look to sharpen up his skills in order to make a statement to the MMA community. Certainly a win over a tough as nails opponent would kick his career back into high gear.

MCC offficials said, “Castro has knock out power in both hands and he’s tough to submit. He’ll fight hurt, bloody, and on one leg if he needs to. Joe is not getting an easy fight, and in Jeremy’s case, a win over a UFC vet like Joe Brammer has a big upside. This is an important fight for both of them.”

Nutrishop presents; MCC 36: “Back in Action”, Friday, September 23 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The fight card will also feature long-time vets Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt and Josh “Bull” Christensen as well as rising star Luis Saldana and others. More exciting bouts are expected to be announced later this week. For ticket information, fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

Ronnie Britt

Ronnie Britt returns to prove age is only a number

At a spry 46 years of age some wonder why MCC’s welterweight staple Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt isn’t out tearing up the links at a prestigious golf course, spending time building model airplanes or enjoying a friendly game of pitch on a Friday night. Well, ask him that question and you’re probably going to get twisted up like a pretzel!

A collegiate football player from Diagonal, Iowa, Britt got his start in the game before most of us knew what mixed martial arts was, but didn’t start seriously competing in until well into his thirties, before UFC hit mainstream TV, and before it was “cool” to be a fighter. Britt started training in a basement that was converted into a makeshift gym, with a small group of friends. They learned different submissions and striking techniques by watching video’s, trial and error and a good old game of ‘here, let me try this out on you’. Once he became good, he was hooked. And there hasn’t been much of a break. There was a brief one-year retirement period stuck somewhere in there, but Britt returned in 2010 and not tasted defeat since.

Britt stated, “As long as my body holds up, and as long as I still enjoy getting in there and mixing up with these youngsters, I’m going to keep after it.”

And youngsters is right. Most of the time Britt finds himself stuck in the cage competing against fighters half his age. For his opponents it comes as a shock. For those that have never watched him compete they may think they’re getting an easy win. Once the fight starts though, they are made painfully aware that isn’t going to be the case. Known for his strong submission game, Britt has no problems standing in the pocket and trading punches as he proved when he faced Eric Irving at MCC 32.

With an impressive record of 20 wins and only 3 losses, including wins over UFC vet Jesse “Iron Jaw” Sanders and MMA pioneer Dennis Reed, Britt returns at MCC 36: “Back in Action” to face heavy handed Maurice Speirs. Britt will be looking for his sixth consecutive win.

As one of the most recognized fighters in the Midwest, Britt takes it one day at a time. He states, “You can’t take yourself too seriously; you’re going to die someday anyway!” That’s just the style of a laid back, long haired country boy from small town, Iowa. But don’t let the age fool you. Ronnie Britt will prove you wrong evey time.

Nutrishop presents, MCC 36: “Back in Action”, Friday, September 23 at Hy Vee Hall, downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Tickets are available on-line at www.MidwestCageChampionship.com, by phone at 888-324-5849 or at all Dahl’s Food Store ticket outlets. For more information on this upcoming event including fighter interviews, video’s and blogs, check out the web site.

UFC Vet Michael Johnson vs Joe Brammer

Hey Joe Brammer here I’m really excited for my upcoming fight for MCC on Sept 23 at Hy Vee Hall. I’ve taken almost a year off from fighting, but I have been watching a lot of Mickey Ward highlight videos on youtube so I’m sure Ill be ready to rumble!

But I don’t want to talk about that right now, I’ll save that for another post. Today I’m going to give you a short and sweet biography of me and where I’m from all the way up to what I’m up to right now… Which is watching re runs of lost. Ok so I’m gonna try to do this in 200 words or less.

Born in Oklahoma, moved to Iowa when I was 5. Grew up on the southside of Des Moines, went to Lincoln High School. Watched lots of pro wrestling and way to many Bruce Lee movies. Started doing Jeet Kune Do and Boxing when I was 16.

After high school I got into mma and started training with all the different schools in Des Moines. Then I moved out to Seattle to get serious about my career. After that I racked up a record of 7 wins no losses and a draw. And became the MCC and Glory 155lb Champions. Right after I defended my title against Chris Mickle, I got a call to fight Mark Bocek in the UFC.

So I signed to fight him and lost. After that I moved out to San Diego to Train at Alliance along side Brandon Vera, Dominique Cruz and tons of other amazing fighters. I fought Aaron Riley at UFC 114, and lost a close decision.

This past December I moved back to Des Moines and opened up a MMA gym www.elite-edge-training.com . I’m really excited to train all these up and coming guys and keep improving my skills. I have a great group of guys working with me and a lot of friends coming in from out of town to help me prepare. Although I have taken almost a year off I have not taken a single week off of training.

I feel like I am at the top of my game and can’t wait to get back in the cage! September 23 plan on seeing the best Joe Brammer yet! Follow me to this fight, and view my weekly blogs that I will post here every Monday morning leading up to my fight.

- Joe Brammer

MCC36: Back in Action

Fight Card coming soon!

Jesse Lund

Rick Glenn

MCC 35 Re Cap- Roberts and Glenn go the distance, Lund dominates Poling

The night started out with a bang; technically four of them as the first four of five bouts ending by knockout! Usually such highlight reel performance are witnessed in the latter part of the card, however several fighters, some new to the promotion, were intent on proving their worthiness.

Ryan Fitzgerald vs. RJ Harris

The first bout of the evening pitted two former DMX fighters; MCC retired sister promotion, against one another. RJ Harris and Ryan Fitzgerald opened the show with a feverish pace going at each other from the moment the referee said fight! The first exchange saw Fitzgerald tag Harris with a crisp right that sent the more experienced brawler wobbling, however, when Fitzgerald failed to capitalize on his wounded foe, Harris was able to regain compose and piece together a series of well placed shots to the done of Fitzgerald.

As Fitzgerald tried desperately to avoid the direct hits, it was blood in the water to RJ Harris who continued his assault until Fitzgerald crumbled helplessly on the mat. Unable to defend himself, the referee called a halt to the bout at just 47 seconds of the opening frame.

RJ Harris opens the next chapter in his career as an undefeated MCC fighter with a first round knock out under his belt.

Donte Harris vs. Johnny Wentland

Next up, Johnny “Bananas” Wentland made his third trip into the MCC cage as he welcomed Donte Harris to mixed martial arts. Harris,
a well defined athlete made his MMA debut, and although Wentland was the superior fighter on paper, Harris quickly made the statement
that despite his experience, he was here to play and here to win.

When the fight started Wentland looked to stick and move. Following a brief exchange and tie up, the action hit the mat. It was there that
Harris was able to unload a barrage of jackhammers to the head and body of Wentland. “Bananas” scrambled relentlessly to avoid any
significant damage, but just like the prior bout, once the shark had a taste of blood there was no stopping him.

Donte Harris continued to brutalize the senior fighter until the referee had no choice but to intervene. Harris moves to 1-0 as Wentland heads
back to the drawing board.

Sean Frank vs. Chris Fannon

Bout number three saw two more fighters making their MCC debuts. Sean Frank, a Fort Dodge-based fighter who sported an impressive 4-1 record faced Henry’s Martial Arts trained Chris Fannon.

Since both fighters were known for their willingness to stand in the pocket and trade, the fight was bound to be exciting. Of course, this is mixed martial arts which means their are so many ways to win and so many ways to lose. One mistake and, bam! You’re done…

And Sean Frank proved that.

As the bout opened and the fighters touched gloves, each of them looked to quickly land the money shot. It took one exchange for Frank to make a rookie mistake; don’t forget to bring your hands back to your chin.

That one mistake was all it took for Chris Fannon to land the punch to the chin of Frank which sent him into la-la land. In one of the fastest knock outs in MCC history, Chris Fannon was victorious in just eleven seconds.

An elated Fannon credited all of his hard training in camp and stated that he was eager to get back in as soon as possible. After brining the crowd to their feet I think the fans would like to see him back as soon as possible too.

Mike Owens vs. Nate Hausen

Hasuen made his mixed martial arts debut eleven months ago at MCC Trials. There, he was able to submit his opponent in impressive fashion. He quickly followed that performance us with a knock out win one month later. In his next bout he was stopped in the third round and that prompted a break in action to reflect on his training and hone his skills.

He returned to face Mike Owens. A near mirror image of Hausen, Owens possesses heavy hands, loves to slug it out, but is also willing to go to the mat and grapple. Owens came to MCC with a perfect 2-0 record.

Most of the first round was spent feeling the other one out pawing with jabs and an occasional cross paired with a hard leg kick from time to time. You could, however, tell that each punch was thrown with bad intentions.

Near the end of the first round Hausen, the busier of the two fighters found his range and delivered a combination that looked to be a potential fight-stopper. Owens shook his head as the make the statement that he was un phased. At that point Nate Hausen hit the nitrous button and delivered yet another powerful shot, this time, however, there was no coming back. Owens fell to the ground, but still somewhat coherent. Before Owens hit the floor Nate Hausen knew he was the winner, however the referee still had hope for Owens. Hansen followed up with two shots on the ground that turned off the remaining lights in Owens house.

In what was probably Hausen’s most impressive career performance he deferred on taking credit, rather commending his teammates, specifically Miguel Rios, Jr. for all of their hard work in preparing him. The humble fighter is quickly becoming one of the most popular fighters on the MCC roster.

Frankie Osborn vs. Henry Meza

If back and forth action is what you came to see- look no further than this fight! The fast-rising bantamweight division is known for fighters going at it a hundred miles an hour from start to finish. This bout showcased what the division is all about.

For most of the opening from the two fighters exchanged punches and kicks, takedowns, scrambles, knees and clinch work. At the end of the round neither fighter looked to have lost any steam.

The second round opened at the same pace until a mis-timed takedown attempt put Meza in a vulnerable position to accept an array of strikes from Osborn as he exchanged fro back mount to side mount. By the end of the second, Osborn was starting to pull away on the judges scorecards.

When the third round began Osborn seemed the fresher of the two as he went to work to get back to the dominant position that won the second round for him. When the fight made it’s way back the standing position Meza was clearly going for broke, but it was Osborn, who stayed composed enough to deliver the knock out punch to seal the deal.

The fight, which was clearly a top candidate for fight of the night netted Meza the prestigious Heart of a Warrior award, while Osborn was presented with the Anglo Diamond/Polanti “Heavy Hitter” accolade and a brand new Polanti watch to show for his efforts.

Meza stated that he was dropping down in weight class to compete at 125 lbs. Osborn, who looks dominant in the bantamweight division is definitely someone to keep your eyes on.

Tanner McClure vs. Isaac Adamson

The undefeated Adamson, another fighter from the Henry’s Martial Arts camp is another one of the quickly rising stars in MCC’s featherweight division. Known as one of the hardest working fighters in the gym, Adamson set out to make quick work of the MCC newbie; Tanner McClure.

The bout took just moments before it went to the ground. It was there that Adamson moved effortlessly as he passed McClure’s guard and had his opponent reeling from punches. Adamson was able to open up a cut on the outmatched fighter, but is was after several unanswered shots that the referee was forced to intervene.

Adamson, who is currently campaigning for a spot at AKA, the Fresno, California based MMA gym that houses UFC Heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and perennial welterweight contenders MIke Swick, Josh Koscheck and John Fitch, keeps his perfect record in tact, while McClure falls to 2-2.

Tom Ahrens vs. Josh Henry

Following a trio of unsuccessful win attempts, former MCC featherweight champion Josh “Bam Bam” Henry did not settle for a lesser opponent when he made his return to the cage. Instead he agreed to face the gritty, in your face scrapper, Tom “To the Top” Ahrens. Henry wrote on his Facebook account prior to the fight that he was excited to let his hands go in this fight. Henry, who has a Tae Kwon Do pedigree has found most of his success by taking his opponents to the ground and pounding them into submission.

Once the bout got underway the two exchanged a series of punches, kicks and knees, but it was Henry who initiated the ground game. From the bottom Ahrens attempted a few different submission, but Henry was able to power out every time.

Ahrens hung tough throughout the first and second round.

However, once Henry was able to work himself into a dominant position, securing the back of Ahrens, he was able to sink in the choke forcing the tap. Clearly frustrated, Ahrens, being the good sport raised his opponents arm in victory. Henry, after thanking his camp and fight fans, campaigned for a match up with UFC vet Ryan Roberts who was slated to fight in the co-main event later in the night.

Laramie Shaffer vs. Will Shutt

Since the bantamweight belt has been recently vacated, this fight was essentially to crown the king of the division, but with little time to prepare for a five round title fight, this bout was officially scheduled for three- five minute rounds to decide the number one contender.

The bout did not disappoint.

Shaffer and Shutt have both had their fair share of ups and downs in the cage, so both fighters put in extra work throughout this training camp.

Again, they did not disappoint.

Neither fighter ever looked better. Shaffer, the better wrestler was able to control the action on the ground, but for once, he did not rely sole on his grappling abilities as he welcomed the stand up exchange. Shutt, who has proven he has devastating power in both hands and legs alike was comfortable on his back! Mixed martial arts, anyone?

The fight, going into the third was dangerously close. Both fighters went for broke. Shutt tried to take Shaffers head off with punches, and when the fight went to the ground, Shaffer tried to rip Shutt’s head off with a choke.

In the end the judges saw the bout as a draw. The crowd saw an amazing display of skills from both and MCC officials saw enough to warrant a rematch later this year- this time, it will officially be for the title. Stay tuned!

Van Meer vs. Green

The next bout pitted two former middleweight champions against each other. Mike Van Meer, the uber-experienced former champ asked for a rematch against the man who stole his belt from him three years ago; Brian “Smokin” Green.

With both fighters coming off losses in their last MCC appearances, it was a must win situation for both.

Looking at their records, each on of these guys have fought the who’s who in the sport. If you look at every Midwestern fighter in the welterweight or middleweight division that has made their way to the UFC or Strikeforce, you can rest assured that one of these guys have fought them. With well over one hundred fights between the two of them, this bout was truly a display of MMA past and present.

Green, who is a college student and gym owner wanted to put on a new display of skills for fight fans and students alike. Attempting to erase the slam-knockout from the memories of anyone who saw that bout, Green said that he wanted to put on a performance that conveyed he still had it and he’d be champ again someday. He stated that he wanted, more than anything, to get a knock out of his own.

Van Meer, the more reserved of the two did not make any predictions other than saying he has become a different fighters over the past three years.

And the fight was great!

Green gave his best effort to throw everything and the kitchen sink, including a jump kick off the fence ala former WEC champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis. Van Meer fared well on his feet, but found most of his success taking Green to the mat almost at will.

Judges had Van Meer up on the scorecards two rounds to none going into the third and final round. When Van Meer got Green to the ground it appeared as if “Mini Van” may have rolled his way to a decision victory. Green however, is never one to be counted out. As Van Meer got lazy and left an arm dangling, Green transitioned from kimura to arm bar. As Van Meer attempted to power out of the submission attempt, Green was able to arch his back and secure the lock. Van Meer was forced to tap or have his arm snapped.

Following the victory commencement, Mike Van Meer addressed the crowd to thank his fans and MCC for all of the fights and memories throughout the years before he announced taking time away from the sport to get his weight in tact, possibly retiring.

Ryan Roberts vs. Rick Glenn

In the co-main event of the evening, UFC veteran Ryan “Are You Ready” Roberts challenged the current MCC featherweight champion, Rick ” The Gladiator” Glenn for his belt. Glenn, who owns a pair of wins over Josh Henry as well as wins over Joe Morris and MCC lightweight champ Johnny “Hollywood” Case has been virtually unstoppable over the last two years. Roberts who has been racking up several wins since his lone UFC appearance, was looking for the win to put him over the top and back on the radar of a national event.

The bout was scheduled for five- five minute rounds, and although it went the distance, the fight, from start to finish can be summed up in one sentence: Roberts punched and circled while Glenn stalked and punched.

Round one looked like round four. Round three looked like rounds two and five. There was, however, one takedown initiated by Roberts, and Glenn was able to open up a pretty nasty cut above the right eye of Roberts.

Other than that, the bout was pretty even! And that’s where problems arise….

Whether you’re watching a regional show or the superbowl of mixed martial arts; the UFC, the issue remains the same. If you leave the fight up to the judges to decide you are spinning the dice. You never know what they score more; damage, control, takedowns, striking, etc. It’s a problem throughout the sport.

In the end the bout was ruled a draw. Glenn retains the belt and is still the MCC featherweight champion.

It was a bittersweet ending to a fast paced, well displayed skills fight.

Poling vs. Lund

The main event of the evening put MCC light heavyweight champion, Jesse Lund, in front of his first opponent since winning the title four months ago. Eric Poling, a 12-6 fighter from Illinois made his MCC debut in an attempt to dethrone the champion.

It was not likely to happen according to pre-fight banter from the champ. Lund called it as he saw it.

“Poling is okay at best. I’ve watched a couple of his fights, but he is cocky and does not have the skills to back up his talk. If he thinks he’s going to come into my house and take my belt away he’s got another thing coming. When he steps in the cage he’s going to get beat up quick.”

Being a man of his word, Lund’s game plan was simple; make him miss, make him pay, and if given the opportunity, punish him until he quits.

And, that’s pretty much what happened.

Poling looked to land strikes, using his reach advantage, but Lund was able to close the distance following a brief exchange. Once inside, Lund literally rag-dolled is opponent to the ground and unleashed one of the most brutal elbow assaults in MMA history. He would have given Tito Ortiz a run back when Tito was the king of elbows!

After splitting Poling’s dome open like a melon the referee had watched enough and graciously saved Poling from any additional damage.

Following the bout Poling stated, “This was probably the worst ass whipping I’ve ever gotten. It kind of makes a guy wonder if he’s got what it takes to belong in this sport. I’m going to take some time to reflect, but this is probably the last time I will step back in the cage. This fight kind of knocked some reality into me.”

Lund improves his record to 11-3 and marks his fifth consecutive win. As promised, the belt goes home to Greenfield, Iowa.

With another great night of fights in the books, the next event has already been announced. Nutrishop presents, MCC 36: “Back in Action”. Set for Friday, September 23 at Hy Vee Hall tickets for the event will be available within the next two weeks. The evening will feather a main event with former champ and two-time UFC veteran Joe “The Southside Strangler” Brammer as well as popular fighters Ronnie “Warfrog” Britt, Josh “Bull” Christensen and fast rising star, Luis Saldana. Visit www.MidwestCageChampionship.com for more information.

MCC 35 Quick Results

Ryan Fitzgerald v RJ Harris – Harris by KO

Donte Harris v Johnny Wentland – Harris by RNC

Sean Frank v Chris Fannon – Fannon by KO

Mike Owens v Nate Hausen – Hausen by KO

Frankie Osborn v Henry Meza – Osborn by KO

Tanner McClure v Isaac Adamson – Adamson by TKO

Tom Ahrens v Josh Henry – Henry by RNC

Laramie Shaffer v Will Shutt – 3 round Draw

Mike VanMeer v Brian Green – Green by Armbar

Ryan Roberts v Rick Glenn – 5 round draw

Eric Poling v Jesse Lund – Lund Rd 1 1:25 TKO

Chris Fannon

Shaffer vs Shutt

Roberts vs Glenn

Jesse Lund

Fight Path: Whether breaking horses or opponents, Laramie Shaffer credits focus for success

Most people, from the moment he stepped into the cage as an amateur, expected Laramie Shaffer to be a wrestler.

He was a wrestler, of course. By that time, about two years ago, he had become one of the most successful high school wrestlers in Iowa’s storied history in the sport. Then he had wrestled at Iowa State, a respected college program.

But when he got in the cage, he used the same confidence and swagger he learned breaking ponies and horses as a summer job in his rural community and did what people didn’t expect.

“They were expecting me to wrestle, but I banged with the kid,” Shaffer toldMMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “It ended up being a knockout in about 30 seconds.”

Nearly as quickly, Shaffer has transformed from a college wrestler into an MMA fighter on the verge of a title fight. After two straight wins helped him reach a 2-2 record 13 months into his professional career, Shaffer will take on Will Shutt at Friday’s Midwest Cage Championship show in Des Moines.

With a win, Shaffer could find himself fighting for a belt – like the two championship fights on Friday’s card, Ryan Roberts vs. Rick Glenn for the featherweight title and Eric Poling against Jesse Lund for the light heavyweight belt.

As a 23-year-old bantamweight now living in Omaha, Shaffer would welcome the challenge. His work ethic was built in a hard-driving horse ranch family and continued as a wrestler who was regularly smaller than his early years opponents.

He feels his career is progressing, and he’s ready for the next challenge.

“I was offered this fight once before, but I wasn’t in a spot to take it,” Shaffer said. “I wanted to take a few more fights, get some more experience. I think I’m closer to that now.”

On the farm

Shaffer grew up in a community about 20 minutes south of Des Moines. Without a previous family history in wrestling, Shaffer started in the sport as a young boy, and he was skilled immediately.

His main skill? Being able to pay attention.

“When you’re little, it’s just about getting the concept of the sport,” he said. “The good ones at that age, they can really focus on the basics. I just knew I was trying to put the guy on his back, and the better I did, the more points I got.”

Shaffer could concentrate for long periods from an early age, and that can be traced to his environment. His was a farming community, and his family lived on a horse ranch.

While the community was supporting his wrestling efforts, Shaffer was building other skills in the summer job with his part-time job of breaking ponies and horses for friends’ families.

That has helped him in his MMA career.

“It’s all about your attitude,” Shaffer said. “If you go up scared and nervous, the horse senses that. If you go up calm, they respond well.

“Mental toughness has always been a strength of mine. I’ve known so many guys who get nervous before a (wrestling) match or a fight, puking, freaking out. That wears on your body, but I don’t really get nervous.”

His nerves and skill helped Shaffer win two state championships in Iowa while building a 189-12 high school record. He went to Iowa State, where he wrestled for three years before an injury caused him to take a redshirt season, and his finished his college career at Augustana College.

By that time, he had already found an interest in MMA.

Not just a wrestler

Shaffer began noticing MMA when he was finishing up high school. He took part in some bar shows around that time by lying about his age, saying he was 18, one year older than he really was.

“My last one, I broke a kid’s arm, and I thought I would wait to get serious until I was done with wrestling,” Shaffer said. “I didn’t want to get hurt – or hurt someone else.”

While at Iowa State, Shaffer had a friend who served as a referee with Midwest Cage Championship, and that friend encouraged Shaffer to get into an amateur show. He tried it, and he liked the striking as much as the wrestling, which not many expected.

When he finished his college wrestling career, Shaffer became more committed to MMA. He found jobs as a landscape architect – designing the landscapes around homes and offices – which provided some flexibility to train.

He took his first professional fight in June 2010, a decision loss at an MCC show. He lost again the next month, starting his career at 0-2.

But Shaffer rebounded quickly. In his last two MCC appearances, he has earned two knockout wins by punches. He has continued adding standup skills to his wrestling resume.

“I haven’t had as many fights as I want, but I didn’t really want to use my wrestling too much,” he said. “I wanted to show people I could do more than that.”

While working, Shaffer has continued to stay in shape and remain near his college wrestling weight of 133 pounds. He has proven to have the mental capability from his horse-breaking days, the work ethic from a farm community and the multiple skills beyond wrestling.

Now it’s about getting some wins.

“If I win this, I can probably get set up for a title fight,” he said. “Then I can keep moving forward.”

Laramie Shaffer

Hello everybody these past weeks have flown by and it is hard to believe that all the hard work, dedication, and long hours in the gym are about to be tested. I wouldn’t have it any other way though this is the stuff I live for the competition of one man pitted against another nobody to blame losing on except yourself and nobody to bask in the glory of triumph, but yourself. This fact alone I believe is why I always chose wrestling over any other sport I did, because when it comes down to it there is just you and what you can do in the time you are given. I can honestly say there is no better feeling than going out and getting in a cage and testing your heart, spirit, and might against another human being it is the oldest sport in the world and I love it.

That being said this last week of training went without a hitch I felt good, sharp and still injury free which like I said before is very much a luxury in this sport. Team training was intense and the weight just slid off which always helps with the mind being able to focus entirely on the match instead of your body. Premier Combat Center where I train at in Omaha has been bustling with activity recently with a number of fighters getting ready for their fights this last weekend and a good number more getting ready for fights this next weekend. This always helps as a training partner is never in shortage and it’s an added bonus that they are just as intense and hard it as you are.

I credit a lot of my new found workout regime to this gym as they have really helped me focus on getting better at all aspects of the game and getting set in a routine of training. They are a great group of guys and girls as well who are very supportive of everyone at the gym who has fights going on. A large number of us were present this past Saturday night when we went to cheer on fellow teammates at the Mid America Center for their fights. The support helps so much with the mentality of the newer fighters and I am sure has a positive effect on the veterans as well.

After the fun evening of fights Saturday night I spent most the day Sunday relaxing, doing some wakeboarding with my finance and her little sister. This time off is much needed especially after watching fights the night before. Something about it just gets me all wound up and I found myself thinking I wished it was the 5th of August already so I could be in the action instead of on the side lines.

This week I am sure will fly by just as fast and before I know it I will be weighing in Thursday night at the Chicken Coop in West Des Moines. Then in blink of an eye I’ll be warming up getting ready to step in that cage for war once again and just the thought of it gives me jolts of excitement. So I thank all of you for reading my blog each week on the road to this fight and I hope to see you all out there this Friday night at Hy-Vee Hall to watch one hell of battle. Until then I’m out.